by InTrieste
In a city where history meets the sea, a new structure is quietly taking shape: a temporary infant nursery designed to house dozens of young children while their original facility undergoes much-needed renovations. The project, which involves the installation of prefabricated modular units in front of Villa Haggiconsta, is being hailed by city officials as both necessary and forward-thinking.
Municipal authorities gathered on Wednesday to mark the beginning of construction, a process that will see nearly 80 children from two nurseries—Semidimela and Nuvola—relocated to the temporary site on Viale Romolo Gessi.
“Today, we are unveiling an important and long-awaited project,” said Elisa Lodi, Trieste’s Councillor for Real Estate Asset Policies. “This is a solution that balances continuity and safety. The children will be close to their original nursery, while we carry out essential renovations on the Via Paolo Veronese site.”
A Necessary Move
For city officials, the relocation represents an unavoidable but carefully planned response to the structural needs of the aging facility on Via Veronese. The alternative—renovating the building while keeping it occupied—was dismissed as incompatible with the well-being of the city’s youngest residents.
“We recognize that relocating children, even temporarily, can be disruptive,” Lodi acknowledged. “But this is a solution designed with their safety and comfort in mind.”
The prefabricated facility, a two-story structure complete with an elevator, cafeteria, and green space, will provide a fully equipped learning and care environment until the renovation of the original nursery is complete.
A Modern Approach to Early Education
The modular structure, built by ITS Italspurghi, represents a modern and adaptable approach to early childhood education infrastructure. The use of prefabricated units has gained traction in Italy in recent years, particularly in school construction projects where flexibility and speed are crucial.
City officials pointed to past successful implementations of similar structures as evidence that the temporary nursery will meet both educational and safety standards.
Maurizio De Blasio, Trieste’s Councillor for Education, School, Youth, and Family, underscored the project’s broader significance. “This is part of a much larger plan to modernize our educational infrastructure,” he said. “Safety is our top priority, and this project is an example of the municipality working together to ensure a smooth transition for families.”
A Space Designed for Young Learners
The temporary facility will accommodate children in age-appropriate groupings, including a Slovenian-language section. The layout has been carefully planned to support both early learning and care, with dedicated rest areas, child-friendly dining spaces, and staff facilities.
Notably, the project includes a reinforced concrete foundation, ensuring stability, while exterior panels will feature a sleek, white-gray metal design with green accents. Inside, rooms will be equipped with modern climate control systems to maintain a comfortable environment year-round.
The Road Ahead
The construction timeline is tight. Foundations are already being laid, and the prefabricated units are expected to be delivered and assembled in the coming weeks. Officials anticipate that by April or May, the main construction will be complete, allowing time for interior furnishing before the nursery welcomes its first students for the 2025-2026 academic year.
While some parents have expressed concern over the transition, city leaders remain optimistic. “We ask for patience and trust,” Lodi said. “This is a short-term inconvenience for a long-term benefit.”
As the project moves forward, Trieste is embracing a pragmatic solution—one that reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to balance its rich history with the demands of the present.
